NAACP SUPPORTS DISMISSAL OF DON IMUS, PUBLIC OUTCRY IS THE START OF LARGER MOVEMENT TO END USE OF RACIST, SEXIST SPEECH & IMAGES

April 12, 2007

April 13, 2007

The NAACP commends CBS and MSNBC for removing Don Imus from
their networks and also recognizes that further action is needed to
eradicate such hurtful speech from our popular culture.

"The announcement by CBS and MSNBC that they will no longer
carry Don Imus' show is a welcome first step in removing this
scourge from the airwaves," said NAACP National Board of Directors
Chairman Julian Bond. "Our protests against other enablers - the
show's sponsors and guests -- will continue.

"The Imus controversy has had the unexpected but refreshing
effect of reigniting an American conversation about race and the
coarsening of our society," Bond added. "We want to extend the
conversation to include the prevalence of bigotry, misogyny and
homophobia which cheapens our society, denigrates our population,
and marginalizes our people. Whether it comes from so-called `shock
jocks', rappers or the non-famous, it has to end, and the NAACP
stands ready to assist in the dialogue and the solutions."

NAACP Interim President & CEO Dennis C. Hayes said: "We will
now move from Imus to `I must,' because we each must play a part in
attacking racial defamation no matter its author."

The NAACP was part of a coalition of organizations that
participated in the CBS meeting that led to Imus' termination.
Additionally, the NAACP has sent letters to advertisers of the
"Imus in the Morning" show, its producers and host stations calling
for meetings and asking them to reconsider their support of similar
talent in the future. The NAACP also wrote to management of XM and
Sirrius satellite radio asking them not to become a "safe haven"
for racist commentary by picking up the Imus show or others.

The NAACP is also arranging meetings with record company
executives to discuss the disparity in the way women are portrayed
in varying musical genres.

The NAACP recognizes that when it comes to forming ideas and
establishing norms, nothing is more influential than the images and
concepts delivered into our lives on a daily basis by radio,
television, film and the Internet. Those that are given access to
the public through mainstream media must be put on notice that they
have everything to lose by spewing racist ideas and rants.

The NAACP believes that racism is taught. Media, particularly
television, has proven to be a powerful teacher. When required, the
Association directly confronts racism, the use of defamatory
language and racist actions.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest
civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States
and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their
communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal
opportunity in the public and private sectors.